
Sonya Bhalla
Principal - Inheritance & Wills
Sonya specialising in Inheritance & Wills in the UAE.
Sonya is a UK qualified lawyer with an interest in helping people take early preventative steps and informed choices to protect their wealth from various risks and provide for their loved ones.
Since qualifying Sonya has gained varied experience across several practice areas and includes contract drafting, dispute resolution, insurance law, and personal injury, with a more recent focus on Wills, Trusts and succession planning. Sonya is also an Accredited Mediator.
Experience
DIFC WILLS
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Registered DIFC Wills draftsman.
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Advising, drafting and registering numerous Wills through the DIFC, to cover different types of assets and guardianship.
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Advising families to ensure they have considered different scenarios and risks depending on their circumstances.
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Advising non-resident and resident real estate investors to ensure their investments are transferred to their chosen beneficiaries.
ABU DHABI WILLS
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Advising Non-Muslim and Muslim expat families and investors to protect their wealth and children.
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Advising on different circumstances necessitating different recommendations depending on potential risks and challenges, including estranged family members.
UK AND CROSS BORDER ESTATE PLANNING
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Advising and drafting UK Wills to cover assets located in England & Wales.
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Inheritance tax considerations.
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Advising on other jurisdictions including the EU.
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Advising on circumstances requiring Trusts and Foundations.
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PROBATE
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Advising and administrating estates through the DIFC.
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Advising and dealing with probate matters through the ADJD Family Court.
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Advising on cases where there is no UAE registered Will.
Previously
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Senior Lawyer – Meyer-Reumann & Partners, Dubai
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Director - Key Provident Solutions Limited
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Head of Legal - Elite Insurance, UK
- Solicitor - Massers Solicitors, UK
Credentials
ADMISSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS​​
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DIFC Registered Wills Draftsman, 2024
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Registered Practising Legal Consultant, Dubai Legal Affairs Department, 2021
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Affiliate member of STEP, 2021
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CEDR Accredited Mediator, 2012
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Solicitor, England & Wales, 2001
EDUCATION
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Legal Practice Course, BPP Law School
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University of Westminster LLB (Hons), UK, 1996